I53

Training Target Group

This course is designed for maintenance, plant engineering services personnel who have to identify and solve problems with PLC processors and commission machine changes using the functions of the programming software. The class will cover a selection of PLC technology across the Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation), Mitsubishi and Siemens platforms (other platforms on request). The actual selection of technologies covered in any class will be determined dependent upon your specific needs.

(Pre) Knowledge

To join this course, a pre-knowledge of digital technology and Windows is required.

Training Global Contents

Maintenance/Engineering services are often confronted with equipment from several manufacturers. This course recognises that maintenance personnel cannot build up a profound technical knowledge of all the equipment to be maintained. One needs to have sufficient knowledge of the equipment, coupled with knowledge of the installation to be able to diagnose the problem and then solve the problem.

With regard to PLC’s and programming terminals, the engineer needs to be able to access specific parts of the program and to examine the I/O status. Programming and documenting the program is of less importance. The engineers should be capable of making small changes to the program.

Problems are most likely to occur with the installation itself and this is reflected in the PLC. For instance a defective sensor, a badly working cylinder etc. These faults can be investigated via the programming terminal and the signal status can be presented dynamically. This is necessary, because designers are not always able to design their programs to register every possible fault and the potential cause.

As a result of the training, the engineer should be capable of executing the following actions:

To be able to identify if the PLC is still active and that there are no communication errors with the I/O or other coupled PLC’s, HMI panels or SCADA applications

To determine that the signal of the ‘suspected’ unit will show at the correct PLC reference.

To start the programming software.

To make the internal I/O status of the signal visible:

to call the ‘suspected’ section in the program;

to make timer and counter files visible.

To read the documentation, understand the structure of the PLC and be aware of the most commonly used PLC instructions.

To cross reference electrical drawings to a PLC program.

To make links or to develop connections that change the program conditions. Programming a counter and time measurement is desirable.

To make small changes to programs.

To be capable of making an (original) backup of the program and be able to load an new (or a backup copy of the program) into the PLC.

Training Methods

ATS courses are given by highly qualified trainers, with practical knowledge, in professional ATS training centers or On-Site. Prior to the course an intake conversation can take place to define the participant(s) and the company's requirements. Presentations (theory and examples) as well as practical exercises bring the courses to life. ATS courses are interactive, the trainer will always make sure the training contents link back to your situation.

Training Specific Contents

The following lessons will be followed

GENERIC ACROSS PLC PLATFORMSLesson 1

Introduction to the Control Systems Environments

Inventorying you systems

PLC hardware and system configuration

Cross reference electrical drawings to the PLC

Electrical connections for the various I/O modules

Introduction to software for developing, monitoring and documenting PLC programs